Overlooking the Colorado River, Needles lies on the fabled Route 66 along the border between California, Arizona and Nevada. It is surrounded by the Mojave Desert and on the doorstep of the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Needles takes its name from the Topock Gorge’s needle-like rock outcrops.
Things to do in Needles
In the heart of Needles is El Garces Hotel, which was originally built in 1908 as a station for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. It’s named after the Spanish missionary, Francisco Garces, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Admire its Neoclassical facade and learn about the Harvey House restaurant that once occupied the building.
Needles makes an ideal base for exploring the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a habitat for native and endangered wildlife along the lower Colorado River. Forming part of the refuge is Topock Marsh, a popular birdwatching area and canoeing site. In addition to peregrine falcons, southwestern willow flycatchers and greater roadrunners, you can spot desert bighorn sheep and coyotes.
Also on the banks of the Colorado River is Moabi Regional Park, which is a popular spot for boating, fishing and hiking. Jet skis are available for rent and there’s a swimming beach where you can cool off in the summer months. Anglers can try their luck at luring trout, catfish and crappie. If you follow the Colorado River south from Moabi Regional Park, you’ll arrive at the sacred Hum-Me-Chomp Petroglyphs.
Getting around Needles
Needles is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Las Vegas and Harry Reid International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect from Chicago and Los Angeles to the Needles railway station and buses travel throughout the city. Most attractions can be accessed on foot.